Move Over law extends to roadside utility workers

Throughout the state, motorists are reminded to slow down or move over from the outer lane when they see emergency vehicles pulled off to the side of the road.

As of Monday, motorists are now urged to do the same for utility workers.

A new law passed in June to prevent accidents went into effect Oct. 1 requiring drivers to move at least a lane away from the lane closest to where utility and road maintenance operations displaying amber lights are working.

If there is only one lane available or moving over isn’t possible, then drivers must slow down and prepare to stop.

Drivers who fail to follow the Move Over law may be fined $250 plus court costs.

1st Sgt. C.L. Johnston of the N.C. Highway Patrol Kinston barracks said the new law will be enforced if a clear-cut violation is spotted by the department’s officers.

“It’s a danger for anybody working on the road,” Johnston said. “… Hopefully, (the law) will provide a safer work area for them.”

Forty-seven states have enacted similar laws requiring drivers to slow down or change lanes when emergency, law enforcement and other official vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.

The law was originally enacted in 2001 to protect emergency responders, law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks and Incident Management Assistance Patrols operated by the N.C. Department of Transportation.

“We have issued citations,” Johnston said. “We have enforced it in the past.”

For real-time travel information, dial 511, visit ncdot.gov/travel or follow NCDOT on Twitter at twitter.com/ncdot. For a smartphone-friendly version of the NCDOT website, access NCDOT Mobile by typing in m.ncdot.gov.

Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com.

Breakout box:

Some of the 31 new legislative laws effective Oct. 1:

S.L. 2011-369, sec. 1 Swine in Transport/Regulate Feral Swine

Prohibits transport of live swine unless the swine has official identification approved by a veterinarian. Also regulates classification/taking/removing feral swine(HB 432)

S.L. 2012-17 Landlord Tenant Law Changes

Establishes a process for a landlord to remove from a residence tangible personal property belonging to a deceased tenant through an affidavit filed with the clerk of court (HB 493)

S.L. 2012-20 Divorce/DVPO/Child Support Changes

Amendment of laws related to domestic violence protective orders. Also provides for termination of child support when a child is enrolled in an early collage program (HB 589)

Ensures patients have the right to choose a physical therapist under their health benefits plan (SB 656)

S.L. 2012-147 School Bus Crash Reports Name Disclosure

Allows for the release of the name and address of a minor child involved in a school bus crash only under certain circumstances (SB 227)

S.L. 2012-153, sec. 6-8 Saleof a Minor/Felony Offense

Makes the unlawful sale, surrender or purchase of a minor a criminal offense and requires the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys to conduct a study if other measures are needed. Also clarifies information on whether the identity of a person reporting child abuse or neglect can be released and what information the Division of Social Services is required to maintain or withhold (SB 910)

S.L. 2012-167, sec. 1-3 Municipal Electric Utilities/Rate Hearings

Requires the Eastern Joint Municipal Power Agency and the municipal members of the Eastern Power Agency hold a public meeting before changing rates (HB 457)